Normal cognitive aging refers to the gradual changes in cognitive abilities that occur naturally with age. These changes, while not impairing daily functioning, can affect various cognitive domains such as processing speed, memory, language, visuospatial abilities, and executive function. Cognitive changes are influenced by factors like crystallized and fluid intelligence, with crystallized intelligence (knowledge and vocabulary) generally remaining stable or improving with age, while fluid intelligence (problem-solving and reasoning) declines. Structural and functional brain changes, including grey and white matter volume loss, synaptic density reduction, and changes in white matter integrity, contribute to these cognitive declines. These changes are more pronounced in older adults and may affect cognitive performance. However, they typically do not result in significant functional impairment. Practical implications of normal cognitive aging include the need for careful assessment of driving ability in older adults, as cognitive decline can affect driving safety. Additionally, certain professions with mandatory retirement ages, such as pilots and air traffic controllers, may consider cognitive changes in older workers. To mitigate age-related cognitive decline, lifestyle factors such as cognitive reserve, engagement in intellectually stimulating activities, and cognitive training may help. Cognitive reserve, influenced by education, occupation, and social engagement, can protect against cognitive decline. Cognitive training has shown promise in maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive impairment. Understanding normal cognitive aging is crucial for distinguishing it from pathological conditions like dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Research in this area can inform strategies to maintain cognitive function and improve quality of life for older adults.Normal cognitive aging refers to the gradual changes in cognitive abilities that occur naturally with age. These changes, while not impairing daily functioning, can affect various cognitive domains such as processing speed, memory, language, visuospatial abilities, and executive function. Cognitive changes are influenced by factors like crystallized and fluid intelligence, with crystallized intelligence (knowledge and vocabulary) generally remaining stable or improving with age, while fluid intelligence (problem-solving and reasoning) declines. Structural and functional brain changes, including grey and white matter volume loss, synaptic density reduction, and changes in white matter integrity, contribute to these cognitive declines. These changes are more pronounced in older adults and may affect cognitive performance. However, they typically do not result in significant functional impairment. Practical implications of normal cognitive aging include the need for careful assessment of driving ability in older adults, as cognitive decline can affect driving safety. Additionally, certain professions with mandatory retirement ages, such as pilots and air traffic controllers, may consider cognitive changes in older workers. To mitigate age-related cognitive decline, lifestyle factors such as cognitive reserve, engagement in intellectually stimulating activities, and cognitive training may help. Cognitive reserve, influenced by education, occupation, and social engagement, can protect against cognitive decline. Cognitive training has shown promise in maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive impairment. Understanding normal cognitive aging is crucial for distinguishing it from pathological conditions like dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Research in this area can inform strategies to maintain cognitive function and improve quality of life for older adults.